Headers by Wilfried Bony and Gervinho just 98 seconds apart secured the points for the Africans, after Japan's star player Keisuke Honda had put them ahead with an impressive strike in the 16th minute.

"The players are very happy with the victory, but we are far from being qualified," Lamouchi was quoted as saying at his post-match press conference.

"We only won one match. We have another tough game ahead (on Thursday) against the leaders of the group (Colombia). We will have to prepare."

The Elephants left captain Didier Drogba out of the starting line-up but it was his arrival off the bench after an hour which coincided with the African nation finally converting their chances, although the former Chelsea striker was not involved in either goal.

Swansea frontman Bony equalised in 65th minute with a glancing header, before former Arsenal forward Gervinho beat Eiji Kawashima all too easily at his near post to stun the Japanese.

"We did not start very well in the game, conceding the first goal from a careless mistake," Lamouchi said. "Then we created many good chances."

"Having a player like Didier Drogba in the team, or among the substitutes, changes a game."